I'm going on my first college visit this weekend and have an interview scheduled for Reed college up in Portland, Oregon. Because I am new to the interview process, I was wondering if anyone had some tips, advice, or general Smogon wisdom in relation to college/uni interviews specifically. Any key questions to make sure I think about in advance?
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college/uni interviews
- Thread starter nardd
- Start date
Ok, here's the deal...
- if the interviewer is a man, always say "Yes, Sir" when he asks a yes or no question
- if the interviewer is a woman, always say "Yes, ma'am" when she asks a yes or no question.
- be polite (no weird noises or hand gestures)
- try your best to speak clearly and loudly (not too loud but no mumbling)
- use intelligent dialouge (don't use "yeah", "uh-huh", "like", "whatever", and "what-not"
- when asked a question, stick to the question (don't wonder off some tanget)
- appearance (wear something appropriate for the occasion (button up shirt and kaki pants [ironed] and clean shaven)
To me, 1+2 sound awfully patronising, if that makes any sense.
On topic, sounding enthusiastic is very important!
On topic, sounding enthusiastic is very important!
Sir Spanky and Surgo,
Isn't #1 and #2 called showing manners? I mean, if someone asked a question, it seems that "Yes/No, Ma'am or Yes/No, Sir" shows good home-training. It shows that you respect adults who are in authority. These attributes rack up the brownie points in an interview.
But Sir Spanky, I do agree with the whole "enthusiastic" part. That is something I forgot to mention in my first post. It is very important to show that you are very interested in getting accepted and contributing to the college/university.
Isn't #1 and #2 called showing manners? I mean, if someone asked a question, it seems that "Yes/No, Ma'am or Yes/No, Sir" shows good home-training. It shows that you respect adults who are in authority. These attributes rack up the brownie points in an interview.
But Sir Spanky, I do agree with the whole "enthusiastic" part. That is something I forgot to mention in my first post. It is very important to show that you are very interested in getting accepted and contributing to the college/university.
I don't really agree with the "Yes Sir/Ma'am" either.
It's too, weird, really. I mean, in High School or something, it's compulsory to say things like that. But at an interview, they wouldn't care for it. Instead of answering with "Yes Sir/Ma'am", try to carry on the conversation. Not just ending with "Yes" or "No", give reasons for your answers. Saying Sir or Ma'am is really not necessary.
It's too, weird, really. I mean, in High School or something, it's compulsory to say things like that. But at an interview, they wouldn't care for it. Instead of answering with "Yes Sir/Ma'am", try to carry on the conversation. Not just ending with "Yes" or "No", give reasons for your answers. Saying Sir or Ma'am is really not necessary.
It seems as if my old-fashioned, southern upbringing is not appreciated around here. :-(
It's nothing personal, I may be wrong. England's education system is very different...
But in my experience, teachers actually prefer to be called by their first names in College. University interviews were similar to my college interview too, except I had to actually showcase my work. We got help from our College teachers when preparing for Uni interviews, just being yourself, speaking clearly etc, pretty much everything you said in your post bar the Sir/Ma'am part. It probably wouldn't hurt, but is not necessary is what I'm saying.
Though, in England we're usually interviewed by 2-3 people at one time, so it's obviously a waste of time in that situation.
But in my experience, teachers actually prefer to be called by their first names in College. University interviews were similar to my college interview too, except I had to actually showcase my work. We got help from our College teachers when preparing for Uni interviews, just being yourself, speaking clearly etc, pretty much everything you said in your post bar the Sir/Ma'am part. It probably wouldn't hurt, but is not necessary is what I'm saying.
Though, in England we're usually interviewed by 2-3 people at one time, so it's obviously a waste of time in that situation.
Always have a pen. If they want you to fill out a form/answer a questionnaire/etc, it's always best to have your own writing instrument as opposed to asking "Can I borrow your pen?".
- Make eye contact
- Shake their hand
- Don't interupt them
- Turn OFF your cell phone
On top of the pen, bring one of those nice planners with a pad inside just in case there's anything you want to write down. I have never actually written anything on the pad in my interviews, but it's much better to have it then to not.
Also, when it comes to shaking hands, make sure it's firm but not as if you're trying to out-clench the person, especially if it's a female. Make sure it's a good shake, too, where the gap between your thumb and pointer is right against theirs. There's nothing worse than noodly, weakass handshake. You never get a second chance to make a first impression.
Also, when it comes to shaking hands, make sure it's firm but not as if you're trying to out-clench the person, especially if it's a female. Make sure it's a good shake, too, where the gap between your thumb and pointer is right against theirs. There's nothing worse than noodly, weakass handshake. You never get a second chance to make a first impression.
It's also good to make eye contact when shaking hands as well.
Smile (not smugly or grinningly) and be yourself. If start pulling off a role, you'll come out as pretender, which shouldn't be too beneficial.
